ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 32, 9 August 1890, Page 8

ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER.

It was in the early summer when my love and 1 last parted; She the seaside sought, and left me in the city brokenhearted — I to shelter through the summer, she on the sea-kissed shores to wander; But her last words gave me comfort: ‘ Absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ How I loved the little letters that from time to time she sent me ! As I read, it seemed that they a momentary sea-breeze lent me— When she wrote of picnics, bathing, yachting trips; then bade me ponder Well the truth of that old saying, ‘ Absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ Oft she spoke of her admirers ; how she made them dance attendance,

Made them carry books and baskets, and forswear their independence ; Spoke of one she nicknamed Croesus, who on her his wealth would squander ; But she added, ‘ Dear old goosie, “ Absence makes the heart grow fonder. ” ’ So I worked away, quite happy, through the broiling'summer weather, Longing for the coming autumn, when we’d walk the world together. Though her letters were less frequent; still I very often conned her Last one, where her postscript told me, ‘ Absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ Fewer still were now her letters, and she wrote, ‘ I’m very busy. ’ I expostulated—mildly—with my wayward, witching Lizzie ; Once more came the same old answer—any other seemed beyond her — ‘ Don’t you know, you stupid Willie, “ Absence makes the heart grow fonder ” ?’ One more letter yet she sent me while she at the seaside tarried, Laughing at our ‘mild flirtation,’ telling me that she was—married ; And ’twas thus her note concluded—as I read my face turned yellow ; • Absence makes the heart grow fonder—fonder of the other fellow !’